Their music is a celebration of life on the Bayous, combining twin fiddles,
accordion,guitar,mandolin,banjo perrcussion and vocals, in a blazing session of Waltzes,Twosteps and Jitterbugs. Cahoots are the leading exponant of cajun music in Australia, and combined with their country and blues mastery are one of the most exiting sounds around
Dave Cornwell
(Fiddles, Frottoir, Vocals)
Fiddle, rubboard. Dave was inspired to learn Cajun fiddle after seeing Doug Kershaw perform. He is a long term convert to Cajun music and has studied and played this music with its people in its heartland Louisiana, during his two trips to the United States. Taught to play the Cajun triangle by Nelda Balfa (daughter of the late Dewey Balfa), and fiddle by Kevin Wimmer, has played casually and learnt tricks of the trade from Jay Unger and Molly Mason, Balfour Toujours, Melvin Wine. Teamed up with a couple of other guys to form the Backwater Boys
Peter (AKA Spider) Marcinowski
(Button Accordion, Dulcimer, Vocals)
Accordion, dulcimer, musical director and any other instrument needed. Peter aka Spider, is well known in Perth`s folk community as one of the two button accordionists in West Australia. On his musical world tour, Spider has played in a bush band, a traditional French dance band and a local trditional Polish dance group. In the late seventies, he played guitar and mouth harp in blues bands, Spider and Dave play as The Federation Dance Band, using historically accurate instruments to play authentic Federation music.
Alan Abraham
(Percussion, Mouth harp, Vocals)
Triangle, stompbox, snair drum, mouth-harp guitar & vocals, Alan is our pecussionist and plays a mean Triangle. He has a long history of behind the scenes involvement with Cahoots and now after telling us how to, he now has to deliver!
Pete Proctor
(Banjo, Guitar, Vocals)
Pete has had a ongoing involvement with folk music since the sixties.He has played with a variety of bands in the UK, one of which Rough Justice was involved with the BBC producing radio ballads & TV programs. Also ran the Colchester Folk Club for many years. Best known in OZ for his role in Hobsons Choice he was enticed to join the band with the offer of a free Cahoots T Shirt! I will let you know if we got done!!
Madge Smith
(Fiddle, Percussion, Vocals)
Madge has fullfilled her ambition to play Fiddle. She can play down home and dirty with the best of 'em and adds some class to this motley crew.
Pete Devlin
(Mandolin, Guitar, Vocals)
Well known to our regular dance goers, usually as the first up on the dance floor with Anna, Pete was a founding member of Skins 'n' Strings waay back in the 60's, joined the Morgansfield Jubilee Band, and helped form The great Pumpkin Mutiny. After spending some time in England, Pete returned to Perth and played with Crabs, and recently with a long time friend Richard French and the gospel band Honey Dews playing Fairbridge Festival. Pete has joined us on the understanding that we set him free now and then to jump of the stage and dance.
Bill Devlin (Bass, Percussion)
Bill came along as a sound man to sort out our PA and, although he is better known for his melodic tunes and unique guitar style, wound up playing bass for us!
